Abstract Detail

Molecular Ecology and Evolution

Adebowale, Adekunle [1], Nicholas, Ashley [2].

Gene, gestalt and geography: a cooperative triumvirate for assessing biodiversity.

A key achievement for late twentieth century biology is the recognition – and perhaps near universal acceptance – of the reciprocal effect that organisms and their environment exert on each other, to further the evolutionary experiment, underpinned largely by genetic variation among individual organisms. What is also remarkable, in an uncomplimentary sense, is the ease with which such a holistic concept is overlooked during the development of a conservation strategy and inevitably at the implementation phase as well. Here, we argue the need to deliberately incorporate molecular, morphological, ecological and social dimensions to biodiversity assessment efforts in a way that is more than merely paying lip-service to recycled clichés. Using southern African monkey oranges Strychnos, we highlight the strength and limitations of each independent approach, and demonstrate some range of possibilities, from a biodiversity standpoint, when modern interrogations of data from gene, gestalt and geography are cooperatively integrated to address some of the major questions in ecology and evolution.

1 - Sol Plaatje University, School of Natural & Applied Sciences, Private Bag X5008, Kimberley, Northern Cape, 8300, South Africa
2 - University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, Durban, KZN, 4000, South Africa

Keywords:
conservation
biodiversity
integrated approach.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Molecular Ecology & Evolution Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PML006
Abstract ID:857
Candidate for Awards:None